26 December 2018

My Birth story is a little different to how I expected things to go, which is why I wanted to share it. I had been preparing myself for labour, and reading blogs and birth stories online, so I had an idea in my head of what I expected labour to be like. Well let me say, I clearly had no clue!

To start from the beginning, it was Saturday 15th December, and I had been having some stomach pains at around 5am. They were just little cramps and I thought I might have eaten something that hadn't agreed with me. I have to say at this point I am only 36 weeks + 6days pregnant. We carried on with our day as planned, cleaning the house, trip to Tesco to get some food in and I was having my friends come round that evening for a bite to eat and a catch up.

It was getting later in the day and at around 5ish the pain was getting worse, I was convinced maybe I was having Braxton Hicks, or it was still an upset stomach so I didn't think much more about it. Stephen was going out with his brother and dad, but had decided not to have a drink 'just in case'. I made the food ready for my friends arrival and got myself ready.

The pains were starting to get a little worse whilst my friends were here, but I had no other signs of labour that I had read all about, no signs of a show, no waters breaking. Again, I thought maybe they were Braxton hicks. It got to around 9:30pm and I started to think something was wrong, and I couldn't get off of the toilet. I called Stephen to come home and he rang up the labour ward to tell them what was going on, I'd still not had a show, or any waters breaking, I hadn't even bothered to time the 'pains' as I truly thought that they weren't contractions.The midwife told us to bring our bags and make our way to the ward, this was a bit of a task as I still had bits that weren't even packed! My poor husband and friends had to pack the rest of the things into my hospital bag, whilst I sat on the toilet breathing through the pain.

Some how we managed to make it to the labour ward for 11pm. I was taken to the Lavender Room of the Birth Sanctuary it was a dimly lit room, filled with fairy lights and the radio was playing in the background. Due to not knowing what was going on, I was put onto a monitor to check on baby and contractions. It still hadn't hit me that I would be meeting my baby soon, and I was sure that I would be sent home.

After being on the monitor for a while and everything looking good the midwife asked if I would like to be checked to see how far dilated I was. She explained that it took a while to start to dilate and not to be disappointed if it was only 1/2cm.. well I actually turned out to be 6cm dilated already! I had gotten this far at home, breathing through the pain and chatting to my friends.

My midwife asked if I would like the pool filling up which I said yes too. The water definitely helped to ease the contractions. I hadn't had time for any pain relief up until now so asked for gas and air, which unfortunately I hated, as it made me heave with each use, despite being given peppermint to smell. Instead I mainly used it to bite down on.

I was in the pool for a couple of hours, when I felt the overwhelming urge to push. I was worried that I wasn't dilated enough as it was so soon after being checked, but I was told to go with it. This is where the labour got a bit chaotic, everything had been progressing fine, but suddenly Baby's heart rate dropped and I had to get out of the pool quickly to be monitored.

The emergency buzzer was pulled and the room was suddenly full of midwives and doctors. I'll be honest and say the rest was a blur of being told to push and that we needed to get him out quickly. I was frightened and wanted him to be safe. Two failed cannula attempts, and an episiotomy later my gorgeous son Harry was born at 37 weeks, weighing a mere 4lb 13oz, my tiny, perfect, bundle of joy

10 December 2018

With my due date fast approaching, and gently being reminded by my midwife that baby could come any time after 37 weeks (that's just under a week!) I decided it was time to get a wriggle on and pack Baby's bag.

I am planning to have my baby at our Midwifery led unit, and have only packed our bag for a couple of night's stay. This is my first baby, so I am a little unsure of whether or not this is too much to take, or too little, but I have been watching plenty of videos and reading check lists to get an idea of what should be in the bag. If there is too much then my Husband can simply take some of it back to the car, like wise, I will be leaving a pile of 'essentials' at home, so he can grab them if we need to stay in longer.

First up is the bag itself, I picked up two of these Grey Holdalls, one for me and one for baby. They come with a handle and wheels which will make it easier for us to transport them once baby has arrived. I have seen most women take Baby's changing bag as their hospital bag, however, I've asked for mine as a Christmas gift from my parents, and therefore didn't want to leave it that late for it to be packed, as I'm due just 12 days after Christmas!

The Car seat is the number one essential. We have been buying lots of big items recently so didn't see the point in fitting it until those had been purchased, but it is on this weekends 'must do' list. The hospital won't let you leave without this, so it is definitely a must have in the car!We have the Silver Cross seat, that matches our Silver Cross Wayfarer Chelsea pram and pushchair. We also have the matching isofix base, so it makes a full travel system.The Notes, these are just as, if not more important, than the car seat. I still have a couple of midwife appointments yet so these aren't in my bag at the moment, but they are easy to grab should I need to.Nappies & Nappy sacks. I am preparing myself for those first meconium poo's that everyone talks about! I've packed Aldi's Mamia Size 1 nappies, as I've heard so many good things about them, and they come nice and compact making them easy to pack. I've also packed Nappy Sacks, I'm not sure if these are an essential, but I thought it's best to take them just in case.Wipes & Cotton Wool. I've packed a combination of wipes and cotton wool as I've heard some hospitals prefer if you use cotton wool over wipes, but I've also read that wipes are much easier to use when cleaning those first nappies. I got this pack of Pure Wipes in my Labour pack, so have decided to pop these in his bag.Bottles & Formula. Although I am planning on breast feeding, I have packed these as 'just in case' items. Better to have a happy fed baby, and I don't think formula is provided anymore (I could be wrong).

Possibly my favourite part of packing Baby Hart's bag, his clothing! As we have no idea how big he is going to be I have packed both New Born, First size and Up to 1 month clothes. I've sorted them into little outfits with their vests etc. and labelled them in sandwich bags so that it is easier for us to grab them out of the bag.

A hat is extremely important and I will be putting this at the top of the bags so it is easy to grab. I'm having my baby in January (provided he doesn't decide to show up a little earlier) and it is definitely going to be cold! So I've packed mittens, socks and long sleeve vests for our first car journey home. I'll also be taking a snow suit as a just in case item too.

I've packed a couple of bibs and muslin cloths, I'm not sure if these will be used but it's nice to have them on hand. Baby Towel. These may be provided at our hospital, but I have packed one of these hooded baby towels in the off chance it is needed. Cellular Blanket. I have a gorgeous Beige and grey striped cellular blanket from Asda which will be used to swaddle him, and also cover him up in his car seat for our travel home.Teddy Bear. Not at all an essential, but I thought it would be nice to take along his first teddy bear.

So there is my Little One's bag, is there anything you think I have missed?

3 December 2018

We have made it to the third trimester! This week I had my 28 week midwife check up. I had my bloods taken this week which is always my least favourite part of the appointment. We also listened to baby's heartbeat, which I think is his least favourite part, as he always gives a good kick when the monitor is put on my tummy! The midwife had a little feel of my tummy to see whereabouts baby was, but he is still free at the minute. I will be certain to try and change that ahead of my next appointment!In terms of home preparation we have a fully built wardrobe! I have started to put some of his little outfits in (though they still need to be washed!) I can't help but keep popping in for a peek at it.My app is telling me that Baby is now dreaming, which really intrigued me as what could they possibly dream about?! Week 29Baby is the size of a Butternut Squash.

Week 29 started with my glucose test, it was something I had been dreading, but actually it wasn't that bad. The worst part was having to wait 2 hours on my own! I had my blood taken, drank my drink and waited the 2 hours until my next set of bloods. The most torturous part is the waiting area is right by the Café, which when you've been fasting for 12 hours is not good!This week symptom wise, I've been waking up in the middle of the night with terrible cramp, if anyone has any ideas on how to ease/avoid this please send them my way. Another symptom I have been plagued with is forgetfulness! I've heard the phrase 'baby brain' said in jest before, but that stuff is actually very real and very frustrating! I seriously think some days that my brain has left my body and gone on vacation. Please tell me it comes back? I'm not sure how I will get on without it aha.

Week 31Baby is the size of a Pineapple!I can say I am at that stage in pregnancy where if I drop something on the floor, I contemplate whether I can get away with leaving it! My app is telling me that this week Baby's brain is working very hard to develop it's 5 senses. I'm glad someone's brain is working hard, as mine is still sunning it up on an island somewhere..I had another midwife appointment this week, they seem to be coming thick and fast now, all is still ticking along nicely and Baby is now head down! Which is both extremely exciting, but also very nerve wrecking as it makes it all the more real that very soon I will have to give birth to this little human that I've been stowing away in my tummy.The nursery is taking shape and we now have a huge set of drawers built and neatly organised with all of Baby's essentials. I'm starting to feel a little less flustered now that everything is coming together, and I'm feeling a tad more organised..just a tad though! I still have a list as long as my arm to get through.Week 32Baby is the size of a Squash.Acid Reflux is all I have to say this week..actually add clumsiness to the mix too. I've managed to smash a plate and a bowl this week. Roll on two weeks time when I break up from work, I'm hoping that some much needed R&R will restore me!I've got well and truly stuck in to Christmas prep this week, as I don't like busy high streets at the best of times, never mind when heavily pregnant. I think I am about half way through the present buying and hope that I can get it all done before I finish for my Mat leave.My app is telling me that all of his major organs are fully developed now, except for his lungs. He now has regular sleep wake cycles, and is practicing kicking, sucking and breathing. Every week I am astounded at how much he is developing and that in 8 short weeks (fingers crossed) we will get to meet him.

Week 33Baby is the size of a Honeydew Melon.This week we managed to find a chair for the nursery at last! It was from Aldi of all places, and an absolute bargain. The room is really starting to take shape and is fast becoming my favourite room in the whole house. I like to just sit in there and admire all of our hard work, I say our, my husband's built most of it! I just passed the tools..This week the tiredness has crept back in, I don't know if it's a combination of trying to get everything finished at work ready for when I break up, and the fact that I don't sleep well thanks to my bladder's alarm call in the early hours of every morning! Either way, don't expect to see me after 8:30pm as I'm usually asleep on the sofa!Week 34Baby is the size of a Cantaloupe.My app tells me that baby is now around 5lbs and growing nicely, they have finger nails and sleep with their eyes closed.This week marked the end of work, and I have officially broken up for maternity leave! It feels so strange to not be going back now until next November, but I am excited to get started on all the jobs I've been putting off (to be fair in the week I'm asleep by 8:30!) We were absolutely spoilt rotten by my work colleagues and I can't thank them enough for all of our beautiful gifts. I've just spent some time faffing in the nursery putting them all away.Another exciting thing that happened this week is that our cot has been delivered! It's the last large piece of furniture for the nursery and I'm itching to get it set up so that I can put the finishing touches into the room.

18 November 2018

It only seems 5 minutes ago that I was writing up last years' ultimate gift guide. This year has flown by, and I've decided to put this post together earlier than last year as I find people like to get organised much sooner! This year we too have to get more organised, as just a couple of weeks after Christmas our first baby is due.. if he doesn't decide to make an early Christmas exit that is!

Without further rambling, here is 2018's Ultimate Gift Guide

[THE COMFORT SEEKER]-These Satin Pink Pj's are the best gift for luxurious lounging- Adorable penguin slippers, the cutest way to keep their feet warm this winter- Keep them extra cosy with this luxurious Pom Pom Throw-No comfort seeker is complete without a nice hot drink, this Hot Chocolate Set will set them up for the night

20 October 2018

Week 22Baby is the size of a PapayaWeek 22 of pregnancy has been a pretty intense one. We have been travelling all around Scotland, our last holiday before Baby is due! I hadn't really anticipated just how much pregnancy would affect me during travel, I expected that I would be tired, as that has been my main symptom through out this pregnancy so far. However, I found all the walking and long days quite difficult, and towards the end of the week I started to struggle. That's not to say though that the trip wasn't incredible, I would do it all again in a heartbeat, just that I didn't anticipate that I would find it that difficult! I am now in rest mode and relaxing again.Baby has been moving so much this past week and it's incredible to feel, my app is telling me that he can now perceive light, hear my heart beat and my stomach gurgle. My bump is definitely coming along too, and has really popped out these past couple of weeks (not sure if its partly due to all the delicious food we've been trying though!)Now that we are back from our last holiday, I am in full on baby prep mode. I'm writing out a list of things left to buy, things I want to do and also all the jobs we need to finish in the house too. I have a book full of lists and I'm trying hard not to get overwhelmed!Week 23Baby is the size of a MangoWeek 23 was all about getting organised. I have been sitting cross legged on the floor in the mornings to get ready, at a coffee table we accidently bought instead of a TV stand... Long story! It wasn't practical at the best of times, but even less so now that I am over half way through this pregnancy. It was time to build my desk that has been gathering dust in our hallway. We popped out to Ikea to get a chair to match, so I can now get ready in comfort, and not have pins and needles every time I get back up!We also made our first big purchase, the pram! It was such a difficult decision, there's just so many on the market, all with varying features I liked and didn't like. In the end we had narrowed it down to two choices and after spying that Mothercare had a sale on, we popped to our nearest store to have a look. We tried out both, and umm'd and ahh'd over them for a while before settling on the one we both thought would suit us the most. We ended up choosing the Silver Cross Wayfarer Chelsea It pushed like a dream, folded down with ease and the handle extended high enough for my 6'4 husband! We also purchased the matching car seat and isofix base, which meant that two huge purchases were ticked off our list in one fell swoop.

Week 24Baby is the size of an Ear of CornThis week was my first week back at work after 16 glorious days off. I can't describe the tiredness of getting up at 5:30am again, and two nights I fell asleep at 8:30pm! I'm not sure if that's pregnancy or just because I've been so busy, either way, I was ready for a lie in by the time Saturday rolled round.We built our moses basket this week, which took us longer than we thought! Who would have thought that putting the base together would be more complicated than any Ikea flat pack we have done! It looks so sweet sat by our bed, and it's surreal to think that in a few short months we'll have a little baby in there!Week 25Baby is the size of a CauliflowerWow, a cauliflower! No wonder I can feel him wiggling and jiggling about in my belly. This week we had our 25 week check up with the Midwife, everything is looking good still. I had my bump measured for the first time and I am measuring spot on for how many weeks I am, which is good to know as a few people have said that I'm not showing much (personally I feel huge!) Little one was being a trouble maker when we were trying to listen to his heartbeat, he kept kicking away whenever the device was put on my tummy. We did eventually manage to get a quick listen when he had taken a break from moving!It was pay day this week, and I've started to focus on getting a few more practical items, such as things for the hospital bag and things that I will need for me after birth too. I of course bought another outfit from next as well, they have some adorable baby things in at the moment and I was too perilous to resist! I did get size 3-6 months as a means of justification, as most of his clothes so far are up to 1 month and up to 3 months.I'm also trying to throw myself into getting a little more organised, as before I know it I will be starting my maternity leave, I am on the 8 week countdown! Which also means I have 3 more pay days until I move onto my maternity pay, and Christmas is included in those pay days! So I am trying to get organised for that too. I plan to share a few blog posts on what I've been doing to organise myself for baby's arrival, and also will be sharing what I'm packing in both our hospital bags. I've been watching endless videos, and reading blog posts, so have collated lots of ideas on what I personally want to pack. I just need to get buying it all!I'm currently lay on the sofa, with a blanket and cup of tea whilst I write up this weeks pregnancy diary. We've had an early morning as we both had eye tests, which we followed up with a spot of breakfast. We then spent the rest of the morning, up until 1pm weeding, mowing and tidying up our garden, who was looking a little one the wild side! Now I'm lapping up a few hours of relaxation before we head out for my Husband and my Brother's joint belated Birthday meal. Happy weekend!

Week 26Baby is the size of a LettuceThis week baby weighs around 2lb! He certainly is growing, and all of his movements are much stronger! In fact other people have now been able to see my tummy move under my clothes, I love when he wiggles about to get comfy. I have noticed though, that on occasion he likes to lie very low, making it feel like I constantly need to wee and it's also a bit more difficult to walk!I was shocked to notice that this week I have started to produce the first bit of colostrum. I'm not going to lie, this completely took me by surprise as I thought it was something that only begins nearer to the end of the pregnancy. However, after some googling and checking with a friend, it is totally normal. I had just never heard anyone mention it before.I'm still very much loving Hot Peri Peri sauce with most of my meals, and the occasional sour sweet- though I've tried to cut down on these!

Week 27Week 27 has flown by in the blink of an eye. I don't have too much to report from this week really, everything is ticking a long as it has been. We finally cleared out the nursery ready to get decorating, which I cannot wait to do! I have a few ideas of how I want it to look, but first we need to gloss the skirting boards, and get the bigger pieces of furniture in place. Then let the faffing commence!I have my next midwife appointment next week, so I am looking forward to that, and hoping for another a quick week.

12 September 2018

Week 16Baby is the size of an Avocado
Week 16 has been the most exciting week! We had our second midwife appointment mid-week, where we got to hear our little babes heartbeat for the first time. It was such a special moment that I won't ever forget. We went through my various blood results and booked me in for my next appointment at 25 weeks, which at the minute seems so far away.

We then had our private gender scan booked for the Saturday at 10am. Our little squidge has a habit of turning their back to us whenever we have a scan, so we can't get a good look! When we first went in and started the scan they were in the exact same position, and I thought oh no we're not going to be able to find out! Luckily after turning on my side for a few minutes baby decided to move and we got a very good look at HIM. If you follow me on other social media platforms you will have already seen, but our gorgeous little one is a beautiful Baby Boy! We even got to see him briefly in 4D which was incredible, he was still being shy though and had his hands up to his face. There's something so nice about finally being able to call baby Him, instead of it!

I had been holding off doing any shopping until this point, one because I wanted to wait and make sure everything was progressing as it should, and two I wanted to know what section to shop in!! I will admit though, I'm not a huge fan of just blue for boys, pink for girls. So as soon as the scan was done, we headed out to shop. As we were at Mothercare already, we started there. We then moved on to Next, which I didn't find too much in, and finally Mama's and Papa's which we spent so, so much in. I loved all the new season collection - lots of mustard and woodland themed cuteness! It's fair to say he will have a better wardrobe than us.

Week 17Baby is the size of an OnionWeek 17 started with a horrible cold, which I spent most of my time sofa bound with hot water and lemon. I started to feel better by mid week which was good as i'm still so tired! I'm waiting for this endless energy of the second trimester that I've heard people talk about, and the 'glow', the only glow I've had so far is the pool of sweat that forms as soon as I get up thanks to this heatwave!We did manage to pop out for a nice stroll at the weekend to Calke Abbey, followed by a scrumptious Sunday Lunch for me. Considering the weather was in the high 20's, I call that a success! We also bought a few more baby clothes, I am a woman drawn to the baby aisle wherever we go. In reality I could do with purchasing a few new bits for myself, as my favourite skinny jeans are definitely becoming a bit too tight now. Though I've found the in-store maternity selection a little lack lustre, everywhere seems to only sell it online, which is pretty useless when I'm not sure what size I will need!Week 18Baby is the size of a Sweet PotatoI felt little squidge move for the first time on Tuesday 7th, I had been wondering if I'd felt him move before this, but there was no mistaking the two consecutive jabs I got in my lower abdomen!

Week 19Baby is the size of a MangoThis week the movements really ramped up, and now I can definitely tell when its Little Hart wiggling about in there.We have been making plans this week on what we need to get done in the house, what we need to buy and everything else that comes with growing a little human. I've been busy dreaming up what I want the nursery to look like, and can't wait to get started on it. The trouble is, as we have a 3 bed house for just 2 of us we ended up using the second room as storage for all the things that don't have a home, or things we don't even use! So before I can get on with all the nice parts of decorating the nursery, I have to get through some serious de-cluttering!Week 20We made it to our 20 week scan! It's the one I had been most anxious about, but also the most excited for. We got to see our little one's button nose, tiny toes and lips. It was such an incredible scan and I was amazed at how in detail they could monitor baby's growth. He was wriggling away on the day too and when he stretched both arms up I could feel it! The difference between the 12 week scan and the 20 week scan is incredible, he no longer fits onto the screen and my app is telling me that he is now the size of a large carrot! The app also tells me that baby has taste buds now which definitely makes me more conscious about what I'm eating as I've been really craving spicy food! We still haven't bought any large items as we are waiting to get the house in order first., though we've booked ourselves onto the Mamas and Papas Parents to Be event at the end of September, which I'm hoping is when we will buy our pram. We have just finished painting our downstairs bathroom and are now moving onto clearing our bedroom, as that's where he is sleeping first. Not sure it was our greatest idea to do up most of the house whilst being over half way through this pregnancy, but I will keep you posted on how we get on! I need to create more storage for all our things, to make room for all Baby's things, wish me luck!

24 July 2018

As I sit typing this, I still can't believe that I'm already into my second trimester. It seems like both a life time and a blink of an eye ago that I saw those 2 pink lines, and felt the first bubbles of excitement (and nerves). I wanted to document these special moments, even if it's only me and my husband who reads them.

Shhh!

I think the hardest part of the first 12 weeks is keeping it a secret. To not be able to tell people that you feel like you just want to sleep for 24 hours straight, or that you're not intentionally (ok you are, but you catch my drift!) avoiding social gatherings involving alcohol is quite the challenge! I really wanted to tell the world as soon as we found out, but the worrier in me also was frightened of all the things that could go wrong (I still am to be honest).Sickness
I'm not going to complain too much about sickness, as in all honesty, I've probably had what some would say is an easy ride. I didn't have any sickness until after 9 weeks, and even then it was mostly in the evenings. I would be fine all day at work, maybe the odd wave of nausea just before and after eating, then feel worse as the afternoon went on. Luckily for me, I would just go to bed early, which did help a lot. The hot weather has made the sickness feeling flare up again recently though, and I'm finding it difficult to keep cool!

Sleeping
I have slept a lot. A lot a lot a lot. I have been the nap queen. I haven't napped so much since when I was at university and I would always schedule an afternoon nap. I've really felt the effects of exhaustion on a whole other level. I used to hear others talk about the tiredness, and would think how bad can it really be? Well now I understand. I'm starting to feel a bit better now I'm into my second trimester (but I do still want a nap now and again). The first trimester though, I could easily nap for a few hours and then go to bed at 10pm again. I'm very fortunate my husband has helped out a lot, doing the food shop on his own and sorting dinner etc just so I can sleep.

Food
For most of the first trimester I really lost my appetite, and it's only just starting to rear it's head a little now. The thought of food turned my stomach, and I could just about manage to eat a sandwich. I haven't really had any cravings either, instead I've found I just want plain things, like ready salted crisps. Not the most healthy option, but needs must.

Early Scan

The wait for the 12 week mark just seemed like such a long way off, and I was already feeling very anxious, so we decided to take the plunge and book an early scan. We chose Mother Care Baby Bond, and I have to say I was hugely impressed with them. They made me feel really at ease and relaxed, and it was a lovely moment to see our tiny little dot there on the screen. I was around 7 weeks pregnant at that time, so there wasn't a whole lot the technician could tell us, but we did see our little ones heart beating away. That was comfort enough. They aren't the cheapest of things, ours cost £89, but I did feel a weight lifted off my shoulders to know that the baby was indeed there, and matched up to what we thought we were date wise.

What I've been buying
I didn't buy much at all in the first trimester. I picked up some of the Pregnacare Vitamins to try and get some of the goodness into what was a very bland diet. I also picked up Clemmie's 'How to grow a baby and push it out' book, and I have to say I really love it! Definitely would recommend if you're looking for some witty yet informative pregnancy reading.

So there we have it, my first trimester summed up- night time nausea, nap queen and ready salted crisp fiend. I hope you've enjoyed a little peak into my experience of the first trimester. I'm so excited to be in to the second, and very much looking forward to gaining some much needed energy back!

10 July 2018

You may (or may not) have noticed that I've been a little quiet around these parts for the past few months, but it is all for good reason....we're having a baby! Our little Baby Hart is due in January.

If you follow me on Instagram, you will probably have already seen our big news, but it feels so good to finally be able to share it with our nearest and dearest. I can stop worrying about being invited out for drinks, as everyone who knows me, knows I love a gin and I'm sure it would have eventually roused suspicion if I suddenly started passing it up!

We found out we were expecting our little squidge on 4th May. It was actually a little comical looking back, as I wasn't expecting it to be our month and only took the test as I was due to start my period. I was hurryingly getting ready for work, so left it in the bathroom and carried on pottering about. It was actually my husband who alerted me to the fact that the test was positive, and I even brushed him off by saying 'there has to be two lines you know' but sure enough he was right, there they were, two pink lines.

With not much time to let the news sink in I had to set off to work, full of a bundle of emotions, and in fact a little disbelief! So much so that I went out and bought two more tests, just to be extra certain. Each one came back with the same two lines.

We decided to wait until we had our twelve week scan before sharing our news, as I'm very much a worrier by nature. Though let's be honest does the worrying ever stop now?!

I'm currently just over 14 weeks pregnant and so excited to continue on this journey, growing teeny Baby Hart. I can't wait to share this next chapter of our lives.

30 April 2018

I think I'm well overdue a catch up with you. This year is already whizzing by and with May on our door step and the smell of Spring (crosses fingers) in the air, I thought I had better touch base in real time over on this blog.

Every year that I've had Life In The Fashion Lane, I make a resolution to blog more. Yet when January rolls round, I blink, and its soon Summer and I've barely written anything! I'm not sure whether its the gloomy post Christmas weather that leaves me somewhat lack lustre in the blogging department, or the fact that I've just been so busy that I haven't had chance to sit down yet and write anything worth reading.

We've had an interesting start to the year, with my Dad celebrating his 50th and us going away for a mid week break. You'll have also seen we have another upcoming trip to North Yorkshire planned, which I'm super excited about.

My days have been jam packed, and when I'm not working, I have been sorting out things around the house and meeting up with my friends.

April has been a lovely month so far. The weather finally picked up for a few fleeting days, and we all got out and made the most of the sunshine. It's amazing what a tiny peek of sun can do for the soul. My mood was instantly lifted!

April started out with a trip to London with my friend Millie, to visit the Ideal Home Show. I'm obsessed with their magazine, so was extremely excited to see what the show would be like.

It was huge, and I'm still bowled over by how many stands there were. They had a lot of luxury items for sale, including concrete tables and hot tub's. My favourite part of the show though, were the room set ups, I wish they'd had more of these as it's one of the reasons I love the magazine so much!

After the spending a few hours at the show and marvelling at all the décor, we got the tube and had a stroll around Covent Garden. Being from the Midlands I haven't ventured much into London, so it was lovely to visit Covent Garden for the first time.

We have also began work on transforming our garden this month, into a 'country cottage' haven. I have a whole separate series of posts coming up on our Garden Transformation, including this post here, all about our plans and inspiration.

We haven't done anything other than buy a shed and mow the lawn in the two years that we've been living here. Our first year in the house saw us getting married and honeymooning in the Carribean, then the next year we focused on the interior of the house. This year, I hope by starting early, we can try and get the garden looking a little more like how we envision, and we can have our first garden party this summer! Though I won't lie, we're already behind thanks to the 'beast from the east' as most of March saw the garden covered in a thick blanket of snow.

I've met up with my friends a few times this month, for our mid week catch up. It's something I have really looked forward too and has been lovely to see them more often. We recently ventured into Chesterfield to try out Qoozies, whose interior is every blogger and Instagrammers dream. The food and smoothies are pretty scrumptious too!
It kind of makes me want to put faux flowers all around our house and on the ceilings, but I don't think Mr H would be too approving of it!

We sat in a very sunny window spot and watched the world go about it's business whilst having a catch up.

Alongside meet ups with my friends and venturing into London, me and my Husband have had a few trips to local tea rooms and antique shops. We visited the most beautiful hotel, Kedleston Country House, and had a cheeky gin. I've asked my Husband if we can go back there for my Birthday for afternoon tea, as it was having a refurb when we visited and wasn't offering food.

The interior is stunning and I could have taken a million photo's if I was given the opportunity. The panelling, glass light fixtures and pale grey colour scheme is dreamy and definitely ignited a spark to get on with finishing some of the rooms in our house! My office in particular has been painted for months, but we've just been putting off wallpapering as we are complete newbies to it and I have visions of it going disastrously wrong!

In terms of moments at home in April, I have finally nailed a double chocolate chunk cookie recipe. This is great in one respect, as I've been wanting to practice my baking skills for a long time, but bad for my waistline! (well what's left of it!) My next bake I want to master is the humble chocolate brownie, which I've not had much luck with yet.

So there we have it, I hope you've enjoyed catching up with me, and that this month has been good to you- here is to May being even better. Bring on the long sunny days. I am well and truly looking forward to evenings in the garden and days exploring Derbyshire and beyond.